U.K. Clinic Offers STD Test Results Via Text Message

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In response to rising rates of Chlamydia infections amongst young people in the UK, one London area clinic is using Text Messaging to provide the results of STD screenings.

Most instances of Chlamydia go undetected due to the stigma and fear of visiting a clinic, so NHS Hounslow, based in West London has created a system where a person can order a Chlamydia testing kit via the Internet. The kit is then sent back via the mail, and once the results are known, they can be returned to the sender via SMS (Short Messaging Service).

By providing this free and more discreet method of STD testing to those between the ages of 16 and 25, the health care center hopes that more people in this age group (who make up about 65% of new Chlamydia cases in the U.K.) will get tested and treated.

This effort is reminicient of programs in the U.S., where some cities are offering websites where people infected with STD's can send e-cards to their partners advising them to get tested.